Mustang by Piper Stone

Chapter 9

Danni

Lies.

While I technically hadn’t lied to Mustang, I certainly hadn’t told him the truth, at least not in the entirety. I had a feeling he’d go ballistic if he knew about my mysterious caller after the auction. I’d made a few inquiries, calling around about the ranch I’d been lured to. The place was in foreclosure, now owned by the bank. However, in checking the records, the original owner had been Robert Cooper, now deceased. I’d been hoping to find that the holding company held the title, although that wasn’t a smoking gun, just another question that had no answer.

Nothing was making any sense. Had the ranch simply been used as a temporary holding location for the steer? Every other call I’d made had been futile. I wasn’t even certain what I was looking for.

I finished writing notes on the computer regarding the patients I’d seen earlier, pleasantly surprised that I’d even gotten a walk-in based on a recommendation. Maybe things were looking up. I pulled up Rattler’s file, finally adding his name, smiling from the last tests. His bloodwork was good, the sutures doing nicely.

I’d even taken the time to check online in case the pup had been in the wrong place at the wrong time, the owner actively searching for him. Not a single animal matched Rattler on the missing animal boards. That angered me almost as much as the close-range shot the pup had been forced to endure. After turning on the computer, I walked back into the small room, leaning against the doorway. The pup was certainly gorgeous, his markings suggesting a mix of yellow Lab and Golden Retriever.

The perfect dog for a burly man like Mustang. I brushed my fingers across my lips, thinking of the last kiss. Sultry. Controlling. Nope. I couldn’t continue to do this.

Then there was the way he’d fucked me, long and hard, rough and tumble style.

I was losing it. Laughing, I gazed out the window at the thickening clouds, a chill trickling down my spine. While I hadn’t wanted to express my concerns to Mustang, I was unnerved as hell from the tire incident. That meant someone had been outside before.

I watched at Rattler managed to eat some dog food. While he remained somewhat lethargic, his actions slowed, at least his tail was wagging.

“You’re doing really well, Rattler.” I almost laughed saying the name out loud. Why choose that name? I knew there had to be a story. After he lapped up a significant portion of water, I selected a collar, attaching a leash and taking him outside. The temperature had dropped a solid ten degrees since I’d gone into the clinic, the hint of sun now hidden behind a glorious amount of fluffy white clouds. There was snow in the forecast, a significant amount. At least the previous owner had left a pile of wood for the fireplace and I had enough supplies to last a couple of days, including dog food.

My thoughts drifted to Mustang, my excitement surging. I was actually looking forward to him coming over. As far as his dominance? The jury was still out, although the second I envisioned his face, another rush of electric sensations coursed through every muscle and cell. I’d had no intention of falling for anyone, including a sexy cowboy with a heart of gold and a controlling attitude, but…

Sighing, I heard Zorro barking for attention from inside the house and smiled. I also wondered whether the two dogs would get along. That is, if the brooding cowboy decided to keep the pup. After Rattler was finished, I took him back inside, guiding him to the cage again.

“Don’t worry, buddy. If you continue to improve as fast as you are, you’ll be out of here in no time.” The second I closed the door, I heard the sound of my phone and a smile immediately broke out.

Geez, I was like some high school girl waiting by the phone for a call from the quarterback of the football team. Sadly, that had been true all those years ago.

And the call had never come.

When I noticed the screen, I immediately bristled, my heart racing. Unknown. The last thing I needed was another round of shit from the asshole determined to drag me into the middle of something. And the bastard didn’t have the balls to identify himself. Fuck him.

“Look, asshole. I’m getting tired of this. You will not threaten me ever again. Do you get it? I will hunt you down and destroy your world if necessary. Don’t tempt me.” My words were laced with the kind of rage I’d felt the second Mustang noticed the slashed tires. Maybe I was a fool for not calling the sheriff.

The silence on the other end did nothing but fuel the fire.

“Fuck you. I’m hanging up and don’t you dare call me again.”

“You’re in danger, Dr. Brexton.”

The deep baritone wasn’t disguised, other than the tremor in the man’s voice. Whoever this caller was seemed to be a different person altogether. Unless the asshole was fucking with me.

“Oh, yeah? How so?”

“You have to stop looking. You won’t like what you find.”

The tone sounded vaguely familiar. I shifted to the night in the barn, the haggard rancher mainly hiding in the shadows while I tended to the steer. “Wait. You’re the man from the barn that night. Aren’t you?”

There was another hesitation.

I moved toward the window in the clinic, peering through the blinds. A sickening feeling pooled into the pit of my stomach. “Aren’t you?”

“You just need to stop. They will hurt you. You need to trust me.”

“Then tell me who you are. I need to know what I’m dealing with.”

“Just stay away. It’ll blow over.”

Blow over? Was the asshole kidding?

As I expected, the call was ended. I didn’t bother attempting to reconnect it. I knew better than to think the guy’s warning would go any further. I stared at the screen for several seconds, contemplating contacting Mustang. What good would that do me? Huffing, I closed my eyes until the phone rang again.

This time, I jumped.

“What?” I barked without looking.

“Wow. Is that how you answer your phone with all your friends?” Sandra asked, half laughing.

“Shit. I’m sorry. It’s been a difficult morning. What’s up?” I continued to scan the area in front of the clinic, half expecting to see men in trucks pulling up. My mind swirled with nasty thoughts.

“I have something for you. Can you meet me at the coffee shop on the corner of Second Street in town? I’d come to you, but I can’t take too much time away from my store. I have a new employee and she gets rattled easily.”

My bestie owned a bakery and coffee shop of her own. Why have me meet her at another location? She had my curiosity piqued. I glanced at the truck and grimaced. One quick trip into town wasn’t really going to hurt anything.

“I’ll be there in thirty minutes,” I answered.

“Good. See you then.”

Why did it sound like her voice held an unusual quiver? After checking my watch, I realized that I had a couple of hours to spare before Mustang would appear on my doorstep, or so I was guessing. Why the hell not? After the call, I remained fired up, my determination still present.

After locking up, I moved toward the cottage, grabbing my second set of keys. Hesitating, I moved toward the bedroom and to my closet, moving to the top shelf. As I lowered one of the boxes, I wasn’t certain if this was a good idea or not. However, when the gun was firmly planted in my hand, I knew I was right. I yanked a round of ammunition from a second box then grabbed my purse, shoving both inside as I walked into the living room, smiling at Zorro before grabbing my coat. “Be good, boy. I’ll be back shortly.” When I walked outside, the same ominous feeling crept into my system, the same one I’d had the night walking Zorro.

Thank God I’d had the forethought to keep my vehicle of choice locked away. I’d purchased the old truck for use with my business, but the only thing of any value I’d kept from my previous life was my beloved Charger. I’d skimped every penny I’d been able to save in order to make the purchase, inheritance providing the rest. Maybe I should have sold the car off before moving here, but she was my baby.

I got behind the wheel, contemplating what I was about to do. Maybe I should just sit tight and wait to see if Mustang found anything. Then again, I’d started this investigation and I wanted to see it come to some kind of an end.

One way or the other.

I hadn’t expected Sandra’s call, but her request to meet me made me far too curious to hold back, especially since she’d acted as if I should stay far away from everything. What had changed? I headed out, keeping my phone on the seat beside me. There was no telling when Mustang would call again. I made my way toward the city, constantly checking into my rearview mirror. With the new warning, that meant I was still on the radar.

I found the little shop easily enough, able to pull the Charger in a parking spot in front of the store. When I walked inside, I found Sandra at a table as far away from everyone else as she could get. While the place wasn’t packed, I sensed she’d made the selection on purpose. As she lifted her head, I could swear I noticed fear in her eyes.

Easing onto the seat, I was grateful she’d ordered me a coffee. I had a feeling I was going to need a significant amount of caffeine in order to handle the day.

Or maybe just the man.

“Your call sounded urgent,” I said in my normal tone of voice.

Sandra glanced from one side of the shop to the other before leaning over. “Keep your voice down.”

“Okay, you’re scaring me. What in the hell is going on?”

“There are always ears in this town. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

I couldn’t help but hear the near exasperation in her voice or notice the nervous tic that appeared in the corner of her mouth. “That much I’ve been able to figure out.”

She seemed relieved then shoved an envelope across the table, immediately reaching for her coffee. Was her hand shaking?

“What is this?”

“That is everything I could find out about RH Holdings,” she answered. “I asked my dad about them and his response was to laugh, asking me why I was inquiring, but there was something in his eyes that told me he was nervous, maybe agitated. You know my father. He’s never nervous about anything.”

No, Sandra’s father had even made a pitch for the Senate seat, defeated by a narrow margin. He was larger than life, his ranch one of the largest in the state.

“Just like you are. Why?” I fingered the envelope, not bothering to look inside.

“Someone took a lot of time to hide almost everything about them. While the corporation is legitimate, you can’t find anything substantial.”

“I already knew that. Let me guess. That didn’t stop you.”

She shrugged and took several sips of her coffee. “Given my father’s reaction, I grew more curious. I have a friend at the courthouse. She works in the records department.”

I tried to remain patient, opening the lid and taking a sip of the lukewarm coffee. How long had she been here?

“Anyway, I had her do a little digging, which enabled me to do some searching of my own. RH Holdings on record is owned by a single man.”

“But?”

“But, if you know where to search, you find out that there appear to be five owners, including the one on record. Three live out of state, the other two in Montana.”

“All of this is fascinating, but what does it have to do with cattle fraud?” I asked, uncertain whether I should be excited or terrified.

Sandra leaned even further forward, doing another check to see if anyone was listening in. “I don’t know at this point, but four of the owners are heavy hitters and in truth, two of them bitter enemies from years ago. I’m surprised they are working together.”

“Which means nothing if their business is legitimately run. Are there investors?”

“That information is sealed, but their tax records indicate they made over four million dollars last year.”

“Doing what?”

“From what little my father would tell me, he confirmed that there have been very successful schemes used to attract investors. He was buddies with an investor who lost almost everything exactly this way. While there are various methods of fraud, including embezzlement, his thoughts were that this scheme has a particular smell to it.”

“Go on,” I encouraged.

“The holding company supposedly purchases livestock from ranchers facing a hardship, paying less than the going rate. Often the animals are malnourished or simply need medical care the ranchers weren’t able to provide. Then the company attracts investors by highlighting the new herd, promising after some care that they can bring a hefty price for the cattle. What they are really doing is showing the same animals to different people, taking the investors’ money then never planning on making good on the promises. I have a feeling that’s what this holding company is doing, although there is no proof from what I was able to find.”

I thought about what she was saying. “They would need a veterinarian to sign off the cattle were up to grade.”

“Exactly. If I’m right, this is big business, which means they certainly wouldn’t take kindly to being exposed.”

“I understand. Why would any decent rancher go in on something like this,” I mused, my thoughts drifting to the injured steer as well as the warning I’d received earlier. Maybe the rancher who’d called me had regrets, trying to push me away from the operation.

Sandra shrugged. “Maybe it appears on the book as being entirely on the up and up, one of them holding all the cards. Maybe the front person makes investments or hides a portion of the money in foreign bank accounts.”

“That’s quite a scheme and would require a hell of a lot of work.”

“I know, but it has happened. The articles I gave you prove that. Plus, if three of them live out of state, they wouldn’t be checking the livestock on a day to day basis.”

She appeared even more nervous, her eyes shifting toward the envelope several times.

Sighing, I swirled my finger across the rim of the cup, uncertain what I could do with the information. “There has to be another reason you asked me to meet you. Does this have something to do with Holt Wills?”

She chuckled under her breath. “You know me too well. Remember I mentioned he was dangerous?”

“Yeah, with no explanation as to why.”

“You wouldn’t remember any of this, at least I don’t think. By the time we were in high school, they’d already enlisted in the military.”

“They. Who are they?”

“The bad boys of Montana,” she said, chortling. “Six boys who created a ruckus in Missoula, including stealing a couple of my dad’s horses. I know at least a couple of them spent several nights behind bars. My father didn’t press charges, but I’ll never forget overhearing him talking about how the group of them would end up in prison. A couple years passed then they enlisted together, which shocked the hell out of a lot of people.”

“That doesn’t make any of them dangerous today, Sandra. That was years ago. Why tell me this now?”

“Yeah, I know, but it’s hard for a leopard to change his spots. It’s important you stay away from certain people. It would seem that some of the bad boy runs in the family. I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

“If you have something on Mustang, you need to let me know. He can be a pain in the ass, but he’s also very endearing under the rough and tumble exterior.” I realized the heat was creeping up on my face. Even my pussy ached just thinking about him.

“Wait a minute. You’ve seen him again. Haven’t you?”

I gave her a look, unable to keep a smile from crossing my face. “He and I have spoken.”

She shook her head. “And you like him a lot. A hell of a lot. You can’t lie to me.”

“I… enjoy his company, which is why you need to tell me if you know something else about him.”

Wrinkling her nose, she nodded toward the envelope. “Not directly, but he is working at Big Meadow. Rumor has it that he’s going to become a part owner.”

“He already told me that. What the hell is wrong with Big Meadow Ranch? From what I’ve seen, the place is beautiful, sprawling across several thousand acres.”

“You’ve been there. Wow, you move fast.”

“Sandra, I appreciate you getting me information on this holding company, but I’m going to walk away from trying to find out any additional information. You’re right in that it’s the responsibility of the sheriff’s office to look into any wrongdoings.” Now I was itching to see what was inside the envelope. There was no doubt she was hiding something significant from me.

“Have you heard the name Randy Harding?”

“No. Should I?”

“RH Holdings?”

“Okay. That means what?”

“Maybe nothing any longer, but I find it coincidental that you ran into Mustang at that auction. And the thing about coincidences is that there’s usually a hidden meaning behind them. Unfortunately, I need to get back to the shop.” As Sandra stood to leave, her eyes continued to show concern. “Just remember that things aren’t always as they seem. Sometimes things are just too good to be true.”

How many times did I need to hear that?

I waited until she left before opening up the envelope. As I gazed at the information, an unsettling feeling roared to the surface. “What the hell?” There was some kind of game being played, but my question was which players were on what sides of the board?

I shifted the papers again, the flurry of butterflies in my stomach shifting to a lead weight. Creepy-crawlies had snaked their way to my skin, making sitting out in the open uncomfortable as hell. Why did I have the feeling I was being watched? I shoved the envelope into my purse, curtailing my emotions. The entire situation had a bad smell to it.

After tossing the bitter coffee, I headed toward my car. Snow had already begun to fall lightly, the air invigorating. As I unlocked the door, another vehicle grabbed my attention.

One big mother of a black Dodge Ram, the windows tinted.

I slipped inside my car, pulling the gun to the mouth of my purse before starting the engine. Grabbing my phone, I shifted to the photographs, finding the one I’d taken outside Sandra’s house. The truck was a dead ringer. As I backed out, I kept my eye on the rearview mirror. There was no movement of the vehicle that I could tell.

Exhaling, I kept both hands on the wheel as I headed out of the city, constantly glancing into the rearview mirror. While there was traffic following me, none of the vehicles were the size of the Ram. While I didn’t know the city very well, I was able to return to the clinic using a slight detour.

The apprehension remained, especially given the snow was falling rapidly. Time to get home and lock myself behind closed doors. Then I’d figure out what the hell to do.

I’d also determine whether I could trust Mustang. I hated not knowing, loathed being used by anyone. However, Sandra was right in that coincidences were tough to buy, especially when millions of dollars were at stake.

The tension started to ease as I turned onto the road leading to the clinic, even though my grip on the steering wheel was white-knuckled. It was starting to get dark, the late afternoon light adding to the gloomy feel. Snow had already accumulated, pellets slapping against the window almost faster than the windshield wipers could keep up with.

Only a mile to go.

That’s when I noticed a brand new set of headlights behind me. From the amount and direction of the light coming in through my back window, there was no doubt the vehicle was much taller than a typical passenger car. As the lights began to creep closer, another wave of fear rushed into my system.

The asshole had followed me.

I pressed on the accelerator, determined to get home as quickly as possible, the tires jerking slightly until I let off the gas. “Shit.” A layer of ice had accumulated over the light snow, making the road slippery as hell. Another glance and the truck was even closer. Goddamn it. I carefully pressed on the gas pedal once again, doing everything I could to ignore the asshole behind me. I was almost there. Almost.

Suddenly, the car jerked to the right. Oh, my God. I was skidding out of control.